A Study of Weight Loss by Diet and Exercise and Urinary Incontinence in women.

By Donovan Baldwin

A recent clinical trial by a University of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) researcher, Delia West, and others, indicates that losing weight, among its many already touted health benefits, can also help women reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence.

The study, the results of which were published in the January 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Office of Research on Womens Health (ORWH).

The results of the program, which focused on diet and exercise, was conducted in Birmingham, Ala. and Providence, R.I., could be of value to the more than 13 million women in the U. S. alone who are affected by urinary incontinence. In addition to the personal problems and loss of self esteem associated with the condition, failure to manage weight can also lead to deadlier conditions such as Type II Diabetes, and heart conditions.

The group of women, 383 obese and overweight women who were already experiencing urinary incontinence, were divided into two groups. One group was given information and instruction ABOUT diet and exercise, while the others actually participated in an intense 6-week program of exercise, diet, and behavior modification. The second group lost, on average, 17 pounds each, and reduced episodes of urinary incontinence by nearly one-half.

The women who received the instruction and information but who did not participate in the weight loss program itself, lost about 3 pounds each, and decreased their episodes of urinary incontinence by slightly less than one-third.

Weight Loss